HB 100 DE

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Became Law

This Act establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware elementary schools. The unit is at a ratio of 250 full-time equivalent students grades K-5 for a full-time school counselor, school social worker, or licensed clinical social worker. Additionally a unit ratio of 700 full time equivalent students for grades K-5 for employment of a full-time school psychologist. This Act defines “mental health services” as prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in elementary schools. Mental Health disorders are the most common health problem for school aged youth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five youth are affected by a mental health disorder. Additionally, 50% of lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14. Untreated mental illness leads to negative outcomes including increased risk of dropout, homelessness, substance abuse, other chronic illnesses, incarceration, and possibly suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, ninety percent of people who have taken their own life have had an underlying mental health condition, and suicides are on the rise. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides are now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14. Delaware schools need trained and experienced mental health professionals to provide prevention and support programs and services to students. Currently, as reported by Delaware school districts, 86% of elementary schools do not employ a school social worker, and ratios of students to school counselors and school psychologists far exceed national best practices. This bill will lower ratios and increase access to mental health services for elementary school students.

• Valerie Longhurst · primary
• Marie Pinkney Democratic · primary
• Kyle Evans Gay · primary
• S. Elizabeth Lockman Democratic · primary
• David P. Sokola Democratic · primary
• Laura V. Sturgeon Democratic · primary
• Bryan Townsend Democratic · primary
• Darius J. Brown Democratic · primary
• Ruth Briggs King · primary
• William Bush Democratic · primary
• Sherry Dorsey Walker · primary
• Timothy D. Dukes Republican · primary
• Debra Heffernan Democratic · primary
• Larry Lambert Democratic · primary
• Sherae'a Moore Democratic · primary
• Eric Morrison Democratic · primary
• Sarah McBride · primary
• Edward S. Osienski Democratic · primary
• Peter C. Schwartzkopf · primary
• Michael F. Smith Republican · primary
• Kimberly Williams Democratic · primary

1. Jan 28, 2021 Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in House · lower
2. Mar 10, 2021 Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 11 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits · lower
3. Mar 11, 2021 Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House · lower
4. Apr 20, 2021 Amendment HA 1 to HB 100 - Introduced and Placed With Bill · lower
5. Jun 3, 2021 Amendment HA 2 to HB 100 - Introduced and Placed With Bill · lower
6. Jun 4, 2021 Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 5 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits · lower
7. Jun 8, 2021 Suspension of Rules in House · lower
8. Jun 8, 2021 Amendment HA 1 to HB 100 - Stricken · lower
9. Jun 8, 2021 Amendment HA 2 to HB 100 - Passed In House by Voice Vote · lower
10. Jun 8, 2021 Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT · lower
11. Jun 8, 2021 Assigned to Education Committee in Senate · upper
12. Jun 15, 2021 Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits · upper
13. Jun 15, 2021 Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate · upper
14. Jun 22, 2021 Reported Out of Committee (Finance) in Senate with 3 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits · upper
15. Jun 30, 2021 Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES · upper
16. Aug 19, 2021 Signed by Governor · executive

The published texts of this bill as it moves through the legislature. Each links to the official document on the state legislature site. Data from OpenStates.

• Bill Text · HTML
• Bill Text · PDF
• HA 2 to HB 100 · PDF
• HA 2 to HB 100 · HTML